Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC Malaysian Test Drive

Mercedes-Benz EQB is more than a premium SUV, its battery powered as well

Hammer July 26, 2023

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This battery powered EQB is priced at RM330,000 and delivers 292 horsepower and 520Nm of torque and it does not need any petrol or diesel to power it.

Its petrol sibling, the GLB arrived in Malaysia in late 2022 and there was an AMG version which was priced at RM363k and a commuter version, the GLB 200 which was priced at RM269k.

Interestingly, it is the GLB 250 4Matic AMG Line priced at RM318k that will be the closets rival to this EQB 350 (which is an electric version of the GLB).

Sales of the petrol fed version have been good as it a premium family vehicle with all the great Benz cabin features and technology. However, as some Malaysians want to embrace emission free motoring, the EQB we are test driving here will be their choice.

Meanwhile, with the EQB, you just charge up its 420-volt lithium-ion battery pack using a 11 kW three-phase charging outlet which will fully charge its battery in about 5 hours 45 minutes.

When necessary (on a long distance drive) you can use DC charging at 100 kW and from 10 percent battery power to 80 percent battery charge will take around 32 minutes. If you are in a rush to get going, then a 15-minute charge will bring 140 km of additional driving range with the same DC charger (try and reduce the use of DC charging as it is not advised by battery manufacturers for long term use).

Meanwhile, the EQB driving range according to WLTP is 419 kilometres and it is always best to discount about 10 percent for real world driving range with all electric vehicles.

By the way, like all other battery powered vehicles, this EQB is quick. The zero to 100km/h acceleration time is 6.2 seconds and top speed is 160km/h.

The Mercedes-EQ philosophy is to optimise consumption by using the rear electric motor as often as possible, while the asynchronous motor at the front axle generates only minimal drag losses in partial-load operation.

In overrun mode or during braking, the electric motors become alternators: their mechanical rotation is converted into electrical energy and used to charge the high-voltage battery which is a process known as recuperation.

There are noticeable physical differences between the EQB and GLB as you walk-around the vehicle. A black flushed panel grille with a large center Benz logo, the continues light strip in the front and rear, plus the 19-inch wheels are very distinctive.

Cabin comfort remains the same as with the GLB and the only time you notice it’s a battery powered vehicle is when you need to charge up the battery pack. With great cabin insulation, you are not distracted with moving traffic noise and exhaust notes (since its an EV, you hear nothing).

Driving it in the city is like any other EV, it is quiet, refined and very smooth. Rear passengers will enjoy the premium sound system and the front passenger might want to scroll thru the center dash touch screen to change the cabin mood lighting.

Take note that 3^rd row seating is best for teenagers and flexible slim adults. Sumo wrestlers will not make it. With the 3^rd row not in use, this EQB has loads of space for lifestyle outings, like cycling, camping and once a month hypermarket shopping for a family of 30.

Visit a showroom and take a test drive to decide if battery power is your desire. Plus, its tax-free right (all electric cars are tax free until end 2024) now so best to take advantage of the savings.